Names: c’it c’em, White Alder, Alnus rhombifolia

Native American uses: Native Americans in California utilized the white alder (Alnus rhombifolia) primarily for basketry (using the roots), making arrow shafts from the shoots, creating red dye from the bark, and using it medicinally for various ailments; Some Tribes also used the wood for smoking meats.

Bird Uses: The catkins of the white alder trees are a vital source of food for many birds, including chickadees, kinglets, siskins, warblers, bushtits, finches, grosbeaks, nuthatches, orioles and robins. The trees are also used for nesting and cover. Alders at the creek’s edge can be used by Belted Kingfishers as hunting perches.